December 2003
 Our
Man In Hanoi has been caught up in the fever that is the
Sea Games (South East Asian Games, kind of like an Olympics
for smaller people). I don't know how things are going down
in Saigon but in Hanoi people are having it large. The sense
of patriotism is huge and the streets chaotic before, after
and during events. Driving anywhere near the stadium is
to enter a throng of leaping, whooping, yelling fans and
anywhere central is packed with people, young and old, waving
Vietnamese flags, sporting headbands, whistling screaming
and honking there horns. Even though I was a little pissed
of that the sandwich shop wouldn't deliver because of the
unnavigatable streets, the enthusiasm is infectious and
its hard not to get caught up in it all. I'm secretly a
Thailand fan, and of course my wife is rooting for the Philippines,
but nevertheless I've found myself getting behind the boys
(and girls) of Vietnam.
Even the opening ceremony, which I'm sure most of you will
agree is usually the most mind bogglingly tedious affair
at any games, the stadium was packed and hoards of people
flooded the streets. Shops shut and security guards seemed
more interested in the black and white portable they had
hidden under the table than in the cd player I strolled
off with. Any attempt to sacrilegiously claim that any part
of the games is less than 100% enthralling is met with looks
of disbelief and bewilderment tinged with no little pity.
It's a shame that the 9 ball tournament is being held in
Saigon as I'd have loved the chance to watch Efren 'Bata'
Reyes play. A Filipino, this guy is a true legend of the
game who's won everything there is to win and is a joy to
watch. Nicknamed the magician, he pulls off shots others
only dream of and so relaxed is he that at times it's hard
to see if he's awake or not. To top it all he seems like
a thoroughly nice guy as well. I'd hate him if I could but
I can't. Although in the twilight of his career he is still
a formidable opponent and better than most .
The football is definitely the main attraction and Vietnam,
although in 'The group of Death' (there always has to be
one doesn't there) are doing nicely. A draw against Thailand
and a 1:0 win against Indonesia means that they stand a
very good chance of proceeding to the next round and, who
knows, winning the whole thing. If they do then I think
some people I've come across recently might actually explode
from the combination of pride and excitement.
Sandwich aside, I'm all for it. Its livened up the city,
given people something to talk about and warmed the hearts
of all in what has been a cold month. (it promises to get
colder too. As a complete aside, what a hassle I had trying
to explain to people in England that Hanoi does actually
get cold.)
For the record, Vietnam currently head the medals' table
with 26 golds. Malaysia are some way behind with just seven.
And unsurprisingly, East Timor and Laos are rooted to the
bottom with not a single medal between them. There's a long
way to go yet though…..
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